Your child’s education is our highest priority. The curriculum includes all core subject areas mandated by the State of California, but goes beyond this by including Bible classes and expanded art, music, and physical education programs. Our teachers use a variety of instructional strategies to meet the learning styles of individual students. Technology is incorporated throughout the instructional program.
Strengths of Adventist Education
Learning Approach
With our small class sizes, students get the individualized attention they need, and teachers are easily accessible to parents. We are flexible in designing a learning approach that is specialized for each child, guided by teachers’ understanding of each child’s abilities and learning styles. We believe that the process of learning is just as important as the content. At our school, children do much more than sit at desks and memorize facts. Learning means discovery – in a variety of approaches, individually, in groups, inside and outside the classroom.
Other Learning Experiences
We foster the balanced development of the whole person — intellectually, socially, physically, and spiritually. As such, we offer a variety of additional programs, beyond core instruction in academic subjects. For example, students practice drama and musical programs throughout the year, which are presented on-campus and in church venues. Children also participate in a variety of field trips that offer new kinds of learning and exciting discoveries. Because our school focuses on developing a healthy body, daily physical education takes place in our gym, on our baseball field and basketball courts, and on our newly renovated playground. Optional on-site piano lessons are available each week. And as part of a world-wide educational system, our students are linked via technology to global learning opportunities.
Home schooling parents are invited to contact VCS to learn more about participating in our drama and music programs, field trips, and other activities.
Dedicated Professional Teachers
Our teachers hold at least a four-year college degree and teaching certifications recognized by the State of California and Adventist Education system. They are dedicated Christians, who understand their importance as role models for your child, teaching academics, as well as spiritual and moral values that will guide them through life. Our teachers create a culture for learning and foster a spiritual climate that helps children develop a relationship with God.
Curriculum
We are a fully accredited school under one of the largest private Christian school organizations in the world, Adventist Education and by the State of California. As part of the Adventist Education system, our curriculum meets the highest standards of learning.
Math
Math has three
components:
Memorization of Math facts
Students are expected to complete timed fact sheets. Students will progress
at own speed through levels: Addition a-z, Subtraction a-z, Multiplication
a-z, and Fractions a-z.
Grade level textbook work and tests
Students are required to complete four lessons a week, evens problems only 73% or better is accepted. Students have the option to get 100% on every daily assignment by redoing corresponding odd problems.
Participation in Alex
Students are to participate in the personalized Internet program Alex. Eventually this program could replace the textbook.
Spelling
Our Spelling
program includes phonics for 1-3 grades, spelling skill activities on Quia.com
and a weekly test. For a list of weekly spelling words please visit your child’s
spelling home page at Quia.com Login: vcs + first name (ex: vcsjane)
Password: last name (ex: smith)
Handwriting
Students in grades 1-3 will have an intensive handwriting program. Our school believes that good handwriting is a refection of a well-educated person. If a student’s handwriting or paper presentation is sloppy they will participate in the handwriting program until they are capable of quality work.
Science
and Social Studies
Science will be studied the first part of the year, and then we will transition
over to Social Studies. We believe that these two subjects should largely
include hands-on-activities, valid research projects, and a concluding PowerPoint
presentation and research paper.
Computers
We value ourselves as on the way to becoming a paperless school, and computers are integrated into most subjects, grades 3-8. Parents and students are required to have access to a computer at home, and a laptop is highly recommended for in-school use. If a student destroys or breaks a computer in any way they are responsible for replacing the part or computer.
Bible
Our school pastor teaches Bible. He will be covering important Christian values and teachings. Students will be participating once a month in the worship service at the Livermore Adventist Church, as part of their Bible curriculum.
Physical Education
We believe Physical Education is a very important part in leading a healthy life. Each student will participate in individual sports as well as team sports. Students are not required to be in physical shape when entering school, but physical improvement is required while attending school. We highly recommend no junk food on school grounds to ensure physical improvement.
Reading
The reading of quality literature is very important to a child’s learning experience. Reading materials will be provided for each student based on their skill level. After completion of a book, students will take a short quiz to assess reading comprehension. Parents are encouraged to read a minimum of 10 minutes a night with their child. The use of literature groups and level appropriate assignments will be given.
Language Arts
Each student will write one essay a week using good writing techniques. Rough draft and final copy are to be emailed to the teacher for grading. Core English language concepts and rules will be taught and reviewed.
Spanish
Basic Spanish
language skills will be taught to the students for enrichment. Parents with
Spanish speaking backgrounds are encouraged to come into the classroom to
help with Spanish dialog.
Geography
Students are required to know their states and state capitols by 3rd grade. By the 5th grade students are required to have basic map skills and know the countries of the world. This will be assessed at the beginning of the year and extra work will be required until students have attained these skills. Extra help will be available on Quia.com for those needing assistance.
Music
Guitar, Piano and Voice will be the main emphasis of our music program, working toward small group bands to lead out in school and church worship services. Music lessons will be available for an extra charge and an instructor will be brought in to teach during school hours.
Grades
Our school uses the OSU scale. We believe that this system is healthier for your child than a traditional grading scale. With the OSU scale we maintain academic excellence and reflect a more accurate picture of life expectations.
Outstanding 90 to 100%
Satisfactory 73 to 89%
Unsatisfactory 0 to 72%
Sample Schedule
Please note that the teacher has the right to plan daily schedules by what he or she feels will best promote curriculum.
Morning Schedule
8:15 to 8:30
AM Worship
8:30 to 9:20 AM English
9:20 to 10:00 AM Math
10:00 to 10:50 AM Reading
10:50 to 11:20 AM Art / Music
11:20 to 11:30 AM Spelling
11:30 to 11:45 AM Handwriting
11:45 to 12:15 PM Lunch Break
Afternoon Schedule
12:15 to 1:00
PM Science
1:00 to 1:45 PM Social Studies
1:45 to 2:30 PM Bible
2:30 to 3:00 PM Physical Education
3:00 to 3:15 PM Clean up, jobs, prayer and dismissal
Friday Schedule
School Dismisses
at 12:15 PM every Friday
Morning Schedule remains the same
11:45 to 12:00 AM Spelling Test
12:00 to 12:15 PM Clean up, jobs, prayer and dismissal
DID YOU KNOW...
Fleas can jump 130 times higher than their own height!
In human terms this is equal to a person who's six feet tall jumping 780 feet into the air.
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